Introduction to radio: blog tasks

 Media Factsheet #224 Understanding the Industrial Context of Radio. 

1) Read the first two pages of the factsheet. How does the Factsheet argue that radio still has cultural significance in the digital age? 

Even though digital platforms such as iTunes, Spotify, YouTube and many more platforms may be challenging, it still reaches billions of people. In some developing countries in Africa where people still have limited or no access to the Internet – radio is still the dominant medium to inform and entertain them.

2) Look at the page 4 section on media theories. Briefly summarise the ideas of Curran and Seaton, Hesmondhalgh and Livingstone and Lunt.

Curran/Seaton - Media output is concentrated in the hands of a few.

Hesmondhalgh - The media put profit before creativity.

Livingstone?Lunt - Media regulation should have a consumer-based approach.

3) What is the definition of public service broadcasting?

Refers to broadcasting intended for public benefit rather than to serve purely commercial

interests.

4) Look at the list of eight key principles for BBC Radio on page 6 of the factsheet. Choose the three you think are most significant and explain why.

Attention to minorities – inclusive and non-tokenistic programming.

Competition in good programming rather than numbers – because they are funded, they can make content that commercial outfits might not bother with.

5) What does the Factsheet suggest is the future of PSB radio? Do you agree?

It could be that P.S.B radio broadcasting might have to have a separate licence fee, or we may see the development of individual subscriptions to stations.